Skip to content

Critical Quote by Quintilian

“To my mind the boy who gives least promise is one in whom the critical faculty develops in advance of the imagination.” quote by Quintilian
Download Open image
“To my mind the boy who gives least promise is one in whom the critical faculty develops in advance of the imagination.”

Quintilian

About This Quote

Source Book: Institutio Oratoria, 95 AD

A student who shows little promise early often develops critical thinking before imagination, limiting creative growth.

In simple terms: Early lack of promise may signal limited imagination.

Key Takeaway

Balance critical analysis with imagination.

Themes

education creativity critical thinking

Mood

analytical instructive

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • school curricula
  • creative workshops
  • writing exercises

Key Concepts

cognitive development pedagogy imagination

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can teachers foster imagination?
  • When does critical thinking hinder creativity?
A Different Perspective

Some may develop imagination later despite early criticism.

4.4 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Quintilian

Explore all 92 Quintilian quotes

More Critical quotes

Browse all 2,389 Critical quotes